Track stars recognized at statehouse

March 17, 2011

State Rep. Ron Gerberry recognized four members of last year’s track team on March 11 at Poland High School. Ryan Storkel, Bob Balzano, Brian Ciccone and Luke Wollet competed in the Division II 4-by-400 meter relay last year and were given a House of Resolution certificate. The certifcate honors the achievement of student athletes and their school, and recognizes the community on the floor of the Statehouse in Columbus. Last year’s big four won the state 4-by-400 meter relay with a time of 3:19.42. In 2009, the same four qualified for state and made the trip, but came in fifth place. Coach Ryan William said he was humbled by last year’s experience as they traveled to Jessie Owens Stadium in Columbus to compete before a crowd of 7,000 fans.

“I know that not everyone gets this opportunity to work with such high caliber athletes as Storkel, Balzano, Ciccone and Wollet of which I truly enjoyed,” William said. “Today these athletes are all in college. Both Storkel and Ciccone are attending Duquesne. Balzano is majoring in business at Miami while Wollet is on a football scholarship at Kent State University majoring in sports management.”

The certificate will hang in the lobby of the gym for all to view.

Article Photos

Photo by Mike Capps, Town Crier correspondentOhio Rep. Ron Gerberry made the trip to Poland last week to honor Ryan Storkel, Bob Balzano, Brian Ciccone and Luke Wollet, who made it to state as Poland’s 4-by-400 relay team.